Energy Hacks for Long Flights

It used to be that long-distance travel threw my body completely off. Headaches, mental fog, comfort eating (sugar, salt, carbs, caffeine), and bloating were the norm. I used to think it was just part of traveling and jet lag. I used to think it was normal. It is not.

The lived practice of Āyurveda, the ancient Indian science of health and longevity made all the difference. I realized the limitation of thinking "It's just how my body is".

Now that I know from lived experience that it's possible to experience an easeful transition with vitality, energy, and drive, the whole idea of being debilitated by long travel has been busted. It is all thanks to these practices I'm sharing with you.

I was looking around the airplane, airport, and lounge during my 2 days of non-stop travel and felt compelled to write this blog.

Hacks for long travel and red-eye flights

• Travel can be quite uncomfortable in many ways. Change in timings, location, temperature, cramped spaces, security lines it’s a lot. It is natural to seek comfort. Most people find that in their food and beverage choices. Notice if you are really hungry.I can’t stress a general lifestyle of fixed meal times aligned with circadian rhythms enough.

• Align with the circadian rhythm of your destination. Set your phone world clock to your destination. Wake up by 6:00 a.m. and go to bed by 10:00 p.m. as far as possible.

• Slow coherence breathing (inhale for 5 seconds and exhale for 5 seconds) during security or immigration lines makes huge shifts in urgency/ stress levels and also regulates the urge to eat for comfort.

• Just because you are offered food or free food doesn’t mean you have to take it and eat it. (the number of people who don't even think to say no never ceases to amaze me).

• Avoid drying and gas-producing foods in general and particularly while traveling. This includes cold foods, cruciferous vegetables, cold fruit, yogurt, etc

• Avoid caffeine, it will further disrupt your circadian rhythms. Instead, splash cold water on your face to wake yourself up and feel mentally fresh and active.

• Lubricate/mositurize your nostrils. In Ayurveda, we are able to tell the state of a person's health from their nostrils and breathing. If you notice, that when you travel, your nostrils get dry from the constant air-conditioning. Use a drop of nasya oil to lubricate the nose lining. My favourite nasya oil also contains Brahmi which has neuroprotective, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), and antidepressant properties.

• I highly recommend the practice of jala neti (nasal irrigation) followed by nasya while traveling to polluted places. For general travel, just nasya drops snorted in the nostrils is great.

• Move (in your seat, super tense, and then release muscles in the restroom, stretch, and walk in the airport instead of sitting on your seat and eating or scrolling)

• Avoid cold drinks. Favour warm water by itself or with a lemon wedge. You’ll be surprised how accommodating and resourceful flight attendants are when you ask kindly and how Starbucks will give you hot water for your flask.

• Chew cloves. They help digestion, act as a mouth freshener, and prevent bloating and gas.

• Here’s a pro tip. Brush your teeth after eating your meal. Then even if a snack or beverage is offered, you have no food aftertaste and the effort of brushing your teeth again will make you avoid the mindless snacking.

Last but not least, break out of the conditioning that you must be tired, cranky, or jet-lagged after a long flight. Follow the hacks I've shared and you will feel the difference.

Did you find this useful? What hacks were new or helpful to you? Which do you plan to implement? Drop me a line and let me know.

Want to bring this theory into practice?

My Breathe Into A Radiant You Program will support you with changing your lifestyle to align with the laws of nature and the body through simple dietary and lifestyle practices.